What it measures
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Cholesterol to HDL ratio
Who it’s for
- Not having had your cholesterol checked in the last five years
- A family history of heart disease, stroke or high cholesterol
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking
- Checking the effect of diet changes or statins
Your numbers explained
LDL cholesterol can build up in your artery walls over time, narrowing them and raising your risk of heart attack and stroke. HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol back to the liver to be cleared, so higher is better. Triglycerides are a different blood fat that rises with excess calories, sugar and alcohol. Your total to HDL ratio sums things up: the lower it is, the better.
What if my cholesterol is high?
One raised result isn’t a diagnosis of heart disease. Your GP will combine your cholesterol with your age, blood pressure, smoking status and family history to estimate your 10-year risk, usually with a tool called QRISK, and talk through diet, exercise or medication. Very high levels at a young age can suggest familial hypercholesterolaemia, an inherited condition worth raising with your GP.
| Marker | Target (mmol/L) |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | 5 or below |
| LDL cholesterol | 3 or below |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | 4 or below |
| HDL cholesterol | 1.0 or above (men), 1.2 or above (women) |
| Triglycerides | Below 1.7 fasting, below 2.3 non-fasting |
How to prepare
- Drink a couple of glasses of water beforehand: it makes the sample quicker and easier to take.
- You don’t usually need to fast. If your doctor has asked for a fasting test, don’t eat for 10 to 12 hours beforehand (water is fine).
How it works at our Croydon clinic
Book online
Choose your test and a time that suits you. No GP referral needed.
A 15-minute visit
A trained clinician takes a small blood sample at 169 Shirley Road, Croydon. Tell us if you’re nervous.
Results in 1–3 days
A clear report showing each result against its reference range.
Next steps
Share your report with your GP, who can arrange NHS follow-up if anything needs it.
Questions
Do I need to fast for a cholesterol test?
Usually not. Non-fasting results are accurate enough to assess heart risk. Only fast if your doctor has asked for a fasting test.
Cholesterol test or Cardiovascular Profile?
Both cost £70. The Cardiovascular Profile adds ApoB and lipoprotein(a), which add detail about inherited and particle-based risk. If you have a family history of early heart disease, it’s usually the better choice.
How much is a Cholesterol Test in Croydon?
£70 at our clinic at 169 Shirley Road, Croydon, including taking your blood sample and your report.
How quickly will I get my results?
Usually within 1 to 3 days, in a clear report showing each result against its reference range.